ZERA to deal with illegal fuel dealers

Energy deputy minister Tsitsi Muzenda, told the Senate yesterday that the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) is crafting the Petroleum Liquid Fuel Licensing and Compliance Regulations that will deal with illegal fuel vendors that mostly operate in Mutare and surrounding areas.

Muzenda was responding to a question by Manicaland Senator Judith Mawire, who had asked her to explain the Energy ministry’s policies to stop illegal selling of fuel in Mutare and surrounding areas. She said in 2016 a total of 14 unlicensed fuel dealers were closed and 24 illegal fuel dealers set for prosecution. Said Muzenda:

Zera conducted a fuel retail inspection and noticed an increase in illegal fuel deals in Mutare and areas in proximity with the town, down into Mozambique, where relatively cheaper fuel is brought into Zimbabwe. To curb the illegal activities, Zera, working with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Manicaland, carried out routine inspections which showed 35% of fuel retail sites were unlicensed and were operating from former commercial industrial sites with no clearance from Mutare City Council, Fire Brigade or Zera, and these were manned by untrained people.

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